CLEVELAND — Editor's Note: The above video features past reporting on Len Komoroski and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
For nearly 20 years, Len Komoroski has been a fixture as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers organization. On Thursday, the CEO of the team, as well as Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse and Rock Entertainment Group, announced that he will be stepping down from his role at the end of the Cavs' current season.
According to a release, Komoroski will remain affiliated with Rock Entertainment Group, focused on REG’s growth and development as well as special projects and initiatives.
"I am immensely grateful to Dan Gilbert for providing the inspiration, resources and platform to build an incredible team of leaders that have been committed to a culture of excellence and innovation," said Komoroski in a statement. "Dan always speaks of 'Doing Well by Doing Good' as a guiding principle and it has been a privilege to work in an environment where we embrace that as a pillar of operating and can positively impact Cleveland and our entire region in a range of different and diverse ways.”
Under Komoroski's leadership, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse has hosted multiple men’s and women’s NCAA tournament and championship events, the 2016 Republican National Convention, 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, and most recently, the 2022 NBA All-Star Weekend.
Komoroski’s career with the Cavaliers began in 2003 when he was hired as the team's president. He took on the CEO title in 2013. "The 2022 NBA All-Star Weekend seemed like the perfect capstone to the 19 years I have been honored to be a part of this remarkable enterprise along with all of our great team members," he added in his statement.
Working alongside city and county officials, Komoroski was critical in securing the public and private funding necessary to renovate the former Quicken Loans Arena into Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. As part of the partnership, the Cavs extended their lease for seven additional years at the venue until 2034.
Komoroski told 3News' Mark Naymik in February that Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse remains one of the busiest arenas in the country, on pace to host 200 ticketed games and shows along with 1,400 private events. Those gatherings help generate taxes and other county and city income that help cover the public's portion of the renovation cost.
The team contributed $115 million toward the $185-million price tag, while citizens kicked in the remaining $70 million (plus millions more when interest costs are figured in). A portion of admission taxes on tickets along with taxes on hotel stays are dedicated to paying off the cost of the renovation.
In the coming years, the FieldHouse will host NCAA Men's and Women's Basketball Tournament games, NCAA wrestling, and future Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. Komoroski says that without an updated arena, the city would not be able attract so many marquee events.
“Over the past two decades, Len accomplished so much on behalf of our organization. I cannot overemphasize the value of Len’s contributions to the Cavaliers, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, and the entire Cleveland community,” said Cavs Chairman Dan Gilbert. “His strategic direction, collaboration, and innovation have been and will continue to deliver long-term success of our business and for our fans. I am grateful for his leadership in helping to establish a world-class championship culture for our team members and ensuring that the future of the organization is positioned for continued long-term success.”
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